Mental Health

The HRSA Information Center provides publications, information, resources, and referrals about health care services for medically underserved individuals and populations. Live, online assistance is available between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, by accessing the HRSA Information Center’s (IC’s) Live Help service. Through the Information Center, health care professionals, policymakers, researchers, and members of the public can obtain material on HRSA-supported public health programs including maternal and child health, oral health, HIV/AIDS, community health, minority health, rural health, health professions training and the planning, development and delivery of high quality ambulatory health care in medically underserved areas. Information specialists provide information and referrals and the web site contains searchable databases of community health centers and health related organizations. Spanish-speaking information specialists are available.

The Homelessness Resource Center (HRC), a Center for Mental Health Services Initiative, seeks to improve the daily lives of people affected by homelessness and who have mental health and substance use problems and trauma histories. The work of the HRC includes training and technical assistance, online learning opportunities, and publications. HRC also maintains an extensive knowledge database of studies, papers and reports related to homelessness that is available on their Web site.

The National Center for PTSD is a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Center has 7 Divisions across the country and carries out a broad range of activities in research, education, and training on traumatic stress and PTSD. Advancing science and promoting understanding of traumatic stress, the NCPTSD works to understand, prevent, diagnose, and treat PTSD in veterans and others following exposure to traumatic stress. NCPTSD cooperates with other agencies and organizations concerned with the impact of traumatic events on mental health. A variety of information resources, for both the general public and health professionals, are produced and disseminated by the Center. See the NCPTSD website for further information.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a component of the National Institutes of Health, seeks to reduce the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on the mind, brain, and behavior. NIMH provides a wide range of information based on that research. Publications are available through the NIMH Web site or by calling the NIMH information center for information and to order publications.

As congressionally mandated: (1) Directs, plans, coordinates, and supports research activities and information dissemination on conditions unique to those living in rural areas, including research on the delivery of mental health services in such areas; and (2) coordinates related Departmental research activities and related activities of public and nonprofit entities.

The Office of the Surgeon General, under the direction of the Surgeon General, oversees the operations of the 6,500-member Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and provides support for the Surgeon General in the accomplishment of her other duties. The Office is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General serves as America's Doctor by providing Americans the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

The Office on Women's Health (OWH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the government's champion and focal point for women's health issues. OWH works to redress inequities in research, health care services, and education that have historically placed the health of women at risk. The National Women's Health Information Center Helplines connect you with information and resources to answer your health questions. The helplines cannot provide a medical diagnosis or answer medical questions, but can help you learn more about a health condition. All medical questions should be directed to a doctor or nurse. Trained English- and Spanish-speaking information and referral specialists will provide organizational referrals to assist you with any health questions or find and order free health information for you. For breast feeding help, breastfeeding peer counselors can answer common breastfeeding questions and walk you through challenges on issues ranging from latching to pumping and storage.

The Office on Women's Health (OWH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), works to improve the health and sense of well-being of all U.S. women and girls. OWH serves as the focal point for women's health activities within HHS offices and agencies. OWH leads programs to improve women's health and collaborates across HHS and with other partners on women's health activities. OWH has a national office in Washington, DC. Ten Regional Women's Health Coordinators are located throughout the country to serve women and girls through local public health initiatives.
The Office on Women's Health's (OWH) mission is to provide leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through sex/gender-specific approaches. OWH achieves its mission and vision by developing innovative programs, educating health professionals, and motivating behavior change in consumers through the dissemination of health information.

Inquiries on mental health, drug abuse, or alcohol can be directed to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) , formerly the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA). Requests for publications should be directed to the information offices listed in the General Notes (GN) field of this database record.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), originally the American Academy of General Practice, was founded in 1947 and has chapters in all States. Its purpose is to represent the interests of family physicians, provide opportunities for continuing education, and maintain high standards of family practice care. AAFP requires continuing education from its members and promotes the development of family practice medical education. A public education program is conducted to inform the public about family practice. Other activities include medical student services, annual meetings, and reduced insurance rates.

The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (Association) is an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that making art is healing and life enhancing. Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.

The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of older people and improving the care of those with late-life mental disorders. AAGP's mission is to enhance the knowledge base and standard of practice in geriatric psychiatry through education and research and to advocate for meeting the mental health needs of older Americans.

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is the national association of marriage and family therapists. A principal goal of the AAMFT is to increase understanding, research and education of the discipline and to ensure that public needs for marriage and family therapy are met by well-trained, qualified practitioners. The organization accredits graduate degree and post-graduate training institutes throughout the United States and Canada; represents member concerns on legislative and policy matters; and promotes research and education in the field of marriage and family therapy. Services to the general public include a brochure about marriage and family therapy and an on-line directory of AAMFT clinical members..

American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work (ABE) is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to setting and upholding national practice standards. In pursuit of its mission and goals, ABE promotes the Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) credential, examines for clinical competency and encourages the development of advanced theory and practice. ABE's Code of Ethics sets forth ethical principals which are intended to guide clinical social workers in their professional roles, relationships, and responsibilities. On its web site, ABE also offers links to job listing/posting, continuing education resources, and other information services related to mental/emotional healthcare topics.

In 1952, four independent associations established the American Personnel and Guidance Association to provide a stronger voice for related counseling professions. In 1983, the association became the American Association for Counseling and Development, and in 1992, it became the American Counseling Association. Today, ACA includes 19 divisions, 56 branches, and 4 regions in the United States, Europe, Latin America, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Philippines. Branches allow members to network with peers and advocate for professional and government relations issues at a local level. ACA's mission is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.

The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), founded in 1942, provides a forum for the exchange of ideas among professionals in group psychotherapy. It makes available published information on all aspects of group psychotherapy. AGPA attempts to maintain high standards of ethical and professional practice. It promotes research in group psychotherapy. Membership is restricted to qualified mental health professionals.

Founded in 1976, the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is the only organization working exclusively for mental health counselors. Mental health counselors believe in the dignity and worth of the individual. They are committed to increasing knowledge of human behavior and understanding of themselves and others.

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. The American Music Therapy Association works to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and to increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the world’s largest psychiatric organization. It is a medical specialty society representing more than 36,000 psychiatric physicians from the United States and around the world. Its member physicians work together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental disorders, including intellectual developmental disorders and substance use disorders. APA Members are primarily medical specialists who are psychiatrists or in the process of becoming psychiatrists.

The American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that has more than 154,000 members, APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide. The mission of the APA is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives. The American Psychological Association aspires to excel as a valuable, effective and influential organization advancing psychology as a science.

This national organization represents the profession of school counseling. The association's mission is to promote excellence in professional school counseling and the development of all students. ASCA focuses on providing professional development, enhancing school counseling programs, and researching effective school counseling practices.

AAPA was formed to advance the welfare of Asian Americans through the development of Asian American psychology. The Association shall assist and advance understanding of, encourage research and service to, educate and inform citizens on, and influence public policy relevant to or affecting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

This association serves as the leader and international resource for addressing the psychological needs of African people in the Diaspora. ABPsi works in collaboration with other Afrocentric associations in Social Work, Law, Medicine, and related social service disciplines to formulate or influence the development of policy to ensure positive solutions to the challenges that impact people of African descent.

Cancer Care is dedicated to helping people face the many challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Care provides free professional support services including counseling, education, financial assistance and practical help to people across the country. Since its inception in 1944, Cancer Care has offered help and hope to thousands of people with cancer, their family members and friends, as well as healthcare professionals. Cancer Care's services are available to people of all ages, with all types of cancer and at any stage of the disease. All services are provided by professional oncology social workers in three ways: online, on the telephone and face-to-face at Cancer Care locations.

The mission of the Center is to support and to promote a reoriented national preparedness to foster the development and adjustment of children with or at risk of developing serious emotional disturbance. To achieve that goal, the Center is dedicated to a policy of collaboration at Federal, state, and local levels that contributes to and facilitates the production, exchange, and use of knowledge about effective practices.

The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (CPR) is a research, training, and service organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons who have psychiatric disabilities by improving the effectiveness of people, programs, and service systems. The Center's mission is to increase knowledge in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation; to train treatment personnel; to develop effective rehabilitation programs; and to assist in organizing both personnel and programs into efficient and coordinated service delivery systems. The Center is affiliated with Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at Boston University.

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a national nonprofit, self-help support organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to families grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause. There is no religious affiliation and no individual membership fees or dues are charged. All bereaved family members are welcome. Founded in England in 1969, TCF was established in the United States in 1972, with 501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporation in 1978, under which provision the organization’s more than 640 local chapters also operate. TCF operates as separate entities in at least 30 countries around the world.
Regular meetings of local chapters provide a caring environment in which bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents can work through their grief with the help of others who have “been there.” Monthly, more than 17,000 attend chapter meetings.
Outreach is provided to more than 182,000 bereaved family members and professionals each month through chapter newsletters, websites, Facebook Pages, special programs including regional conferences, concurrent walks, phone calls, letters, e-mails, and personal visits. Educational information on grief following the death of a child and the work of TCF is provided to the community through publicity, speaking engagements, and the distribution of materials.

CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) is at the forefront of the nation's efforts to prevent and control chronic diseases. The Division of Adult and Community Health (DACH) is charged with managing programs that provide cross-cutting, chronic disease and health promotion expertise. DACH's activities include Communities Putting Prevention to Work, a program developed to impact the nation’s health by reducing chronic diseases related to obesity and tobacco. In addition to supporting programs that foster healthy aging and healthy communities, DASH's Prevention Research Centers (PRC), an interdependent network of community, academic, and public health partners, conduct prevention research and promote the wide use of practices proven to promote good health.

The Dougy Center is a local support group where children, teens, and their families who are grieving a death can share experiences as they move through the healing process. Individuals and organizations seeking to assist children and teens in grief can receive support and training nationally and internationally through the Center's affiliate, the National Center for Grieving Children and Families.

Emotions Anonymous (EA) offers a group approach to the achievement of emotional health patterned after the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Group meetings are conducted in which participants share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other while practicing the 12 steps to this new way of life, one day at a time. Groups are open to anyone seeking help for their emotional or living problems. EA publishes a magazine, promotional literature, and guidelines for conducting EA groups.

Helpguide is a project of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica and WISE & Healthy Aging. Helpguide’s mission is to empower you and your loved ones to understand, prevent, and resolve health challenges. Helpguide’s purpose is the advancement of education regarding mental and physical wellness.

The mission of the Hygeia Foundation is to comfort those who grieve the loss of a pregnancy or newborn child. Hygeia provides programs to educate, counsel, and support families who have lost a pregnancy or newborn child; to advocate for the health care of women and children worldwide; and to promote humanism in the education of tomorrow's health care professionals.

Founded in 1977, the Institute for the Advancement of Human Behavior (IAHB) is a nonprofit educational organization begun with the primary objective of knowledge dissemination in the bio-behavioral sciences. IAHB is a provider of continuing education for health care professionals and provides seminars and workshops for physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses, certified counselors, and other mental health professionals.

Founded by a group of people with OCD in 1986, the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is an international not-for-profit organization made up of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders, as well as their families, friends, professionals and others. The mission and goals of the IOCDF are to:
- Educate the public and professionals about OCD in order to raise awareness and improve the quality of treatment provided;
- Support research into the cause of, and effective treatments for, OCD and related disorders;
- Improve access to resources for those with OCD and their families;
- Advocate and lobby for the OCD community.

Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis.

MUMS is a national Parent-to-Parent organization for parents or care providers of a child with any disability, rare disorder, chromosomal abnormality or health condition. MUMS' mission to provide support to parents in the form of a networking system that matches them with other parents whose children have the same or similar condition. Through a database of over 19,000 families from 54 countries, covering over 3200 disorders, very rare syndromes or undiagnosed conditions can be matched. Parents can then exchange valuable medical information, as well as, the names of doctors, clinics and medical resources or research programs. Families provide each other with emotional support; they don't feel so alone when they have each other to reach out to in time of need. MUMS networks with other organizations that do matching, thus expanding the possibilities of finding a match. MUMS also connects parents with support groups dealing with their child's specific disability or assists them in forming a group.

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI has a national organization as well as state organizations and local affiliates in more than 1,100 communities across the country. Through the dedicated efforts of grassroots leaders, NAMI focuses on three corner stones of activity that offer hope, reform and health: support, education and advocacy.

The mandate of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association is to advocate on behalf of AAPI mental health issues, to serve as a forum for effective collaboration and to network among stake holders of community based organizations, consumers, family members, service providers, program developers, researchers, evaluators and policy makers.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) was founded in 1955 as a professional organization for social workers from a merger of seven predecessor organizations. It promotes the professional growth and development of its members, establishes and maintains professional standards of practice, and advances sound social policies and legislation. Major areas of concern include social work services, employment and economic support, health and mental health, education, human and civil rights, and quality assurance. NASW is also dedicated to the elimination of racism, sexism, and poverty.

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is the oldest and largest national community behavioral healthcare advocacy organization in the country. It was formed in 1970 and represents the interests of community behavioral healthcare organizations nationwide The National Council conducts federal advocacy activities, representing the industry on Capitol Hill and before Federal agencies, and offers a national consulting service program, publications, and annual training conference. Among other benefits, members receive an annual Mental Health Month Kit, Membership Directory, opportunities to participate in an Awards program, and access to members only section on the NCCBH web site.

The National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, a national nonprofit organization since 1974, is committed to advancing psychology as a profession and improving the delivery of high quality health services to the public. The organization strives to disseminate standards for evaluating the education and training of licensed psychologists; evaluate programs that enhance the education, training, and delivery of services by psychologists; review the practices and ethics of psychologists to ensure integrity in the profession and quality of patient care; and provide information on psychologists to the health care community and to the general public.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK, the call is routed to the nearest crisis center in our national network of more than 140 crisis centers. The Lifeline’s national network of local crisis centers, provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is administered by Link2Health Solutions, inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mental Health Association of New York City. Lifeline’s grant is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Office of Applied Studies collects and reports on national and state data to assist policymakers, treatment providers and patients make informed decisions regarding the prevention and treatment of mental and substance use disorders.

One Sky Center is a National Resource Center for American Indians and Alaska Natives. It is dedicated to improving prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental health across Indian Country. The objectives of the National Resource Center include: (1) promote and nurture effective and culturally appropriate mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services for Native populations; (2) identify culturally appropriate, effective evidence-based mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment practices and disseminate them so that they can be applied successfully across diverse tribal communities; and (3) provide technical assistance, training and products to expand the capacity and quality of mental heath and substance abuse prevention and treatment practitioners serving Native populations.

Pet Partners®, formerly Delta Society®, was established in 1977. The mission of the organization is to improve human health through therapy, service and companion animals. Pet Partners provides INFORMATION about service dogs and a directory of service dog trainers on their website; they do not train or place service dogs. Pet Partners also provides training for HANDLERS, evaluation and registration for people/animal teams who want to provide animal-assisted activities/therapy in their communities through their Therapy Animal Program. Pet Partners provides information about research done on the health benefits of pets and animal-assisted therapy on their website.

Postpartum Support International (PSI) was formed June 26, 1987 to increase awareness in our communities about the emotional changes often experienced during pregnancy and after the arrival of the baby. Objectives of PSI are to meet and exchange information between members, encourage formation of new postpartum support groups, encourage health care professional participation, address legislative issues, encourage research, and collaboration with other related organizations; establish criteria for training; supervision and evaluation of volunteers; and address insurance coverage issues. The Mission is to promote international awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues to childbearing.

The Psychiatric Service Dog Society is dedicated to responsible Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) education, advocacy, research and training facilitation. The organization provides essential information for persons disabled by severe mental illness, who wish to train a service dog to assist with the management of symptoms. In addition, the Society consults regularly with mental healthcare providers in their efforts to learn more about PSD and hosts an online community of service dog handlers veteran and new.

The Sidran Institute is a nonprofit organization devoted to helping people who have experienced traumatic life events. The Institute provides education and advocacy related to traumatic stress. The organization’s programs and activities focus on (1) the early recognition and treatment of trauma-related stress in children to promote healthy growth and development; (2) the understanding and treatment of adults suffering from traumatic stress to promote psychological health and recovery; and (3) the promotion of trauma-informed systems of care in agencies providing mental health, counseling, substance abuse, or rehabilitative services to improve care and outcomes. Sidran Education and Training Services, a program, provide conference speakers, consultation, and technical assistance on all aspects of traumatic stress, including public education workshops on understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the psychological outcomes of severe childhood trauma for a variety of audiences. The Institute provides resources for survivors through the Trauma Resource Specialists Center, which helps victims find a therapist, reading matter, and other resources to aid progress toward recovery.

The Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, Division 51, of the American Psychological Association, advances knowledge in the psychology of men through research, education, training, public policy, and improved clinical practice.
Division 51 believes aspects of traditional gender roles are restrictive in nature and often lead to negative consequences and unhealthy interactions for many individuals and society. SPSMM endeavors to point out constrictive conceptions of masculinity that have inhibited men's development, reduced men's capacity to form meaningful relationships, and contributed to the oppression of others. SPSMM supports the empowerment of all persons and believes this empowerment leads to the highest level of functioning in individual men and women.

The goal of the Archive is to distribute and promote the usage of research data on substance abuse and mental health problems and the impact of related treatment systems. Data collections distributed by SAMHDA are available for free download from the Archive's web site http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/SAMHDA, in a standard format that is readable by most statistical applications. The project also maintains an online analysis system that permits users to conduct rapid statistical analysis without requiring a download of large data files or use of specialized statistical software. SAMHDA's major holdings include the National Household survey on Drug Abuse series (1979 to present), The National Comorbidity Survey (Baseline and Replication), Monitoring the Future series for both 12th graders (1992-2005) and many others. SAMHDA is an initiative of the Office of Applied Studies at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) provides prevention support, training, and resources to assist organizations and individuals to develop suicide prevention programs, interventions and policies, and to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

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Page last updated:
Sunday, August 02, 2015